Ephesus Community

Dear Grade 3 Families,

Welcome back to Term 4! 

Please remember that students need school hats everyday this Term. 

In Week 1, students transitioned smoothly into the new term, re-establishing classroom routines and expectations and settling back into their learning. It has been wonderful to see students reconnect with their learning, classmates and the St Thomas Way as they begin the term with a positive mindset.

In Religion, students explored Mission Month and how to live like Jesus by showing love, seeking justice and promoting peace. In English, they began to delve into the story The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, making connections to friendship, freedom, empathy and responsibility while developing their persuasive writing skills. In Mathematics, students investigated multiplication and division using equal groups, arrays, sharing and grouping. In Integrated Studies, they explored the purposes of drama in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and incorporated their learning into puppet performances. In Auslan, students practised signing objects before describing their colours and completed a “What Colour Do You Like?” activity. In Social and Emotional Learning, students explored the St Thomas Way and reflected on how Safety, Respect and Learning contribute to a positive school environment.

We will be heading to the Melbourne Zoo on Friday the 30th of October! 

                       Learning for Term 4, Week 2

Religious Education:

In Religion, students will explore the Gospel accounts of Jesus calling His first disciples. They will compare the similarities and differences between Mark 1:14–20, Matthew 4:18–22 and Luke 5:1–11, focusing on how each Gospel presents the disciples’ call to follow Jesus. Through dialogue and discussion, students will consider the meaning and message of these stories before recontextualising the Scripture and exploring how Jesus’ call to follow Him can be understood and lived out in their own lives.

English:

In English, students will continue reading The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, exploring key themes including friendship, freedom, empathy and responsibility. Students will respond to questions about the text, make connections between characters and events, and develop their understanding of the novel through discussion and comprehension activities. In writing, students will practise sentence formation and structure before applying these skills to plan and write a persuasive text, using persuasive language and supporting their ideas with reasons and evidence.

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will develop their understanding of multiplication and division using materials and visual representations. They will practise multiplying two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers, including problems involving regrouping, and use the division bracket symbol to solve two-digit division problems without regrouping.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies, students will explore the evolution of dance and learn basic dance movements, including jumps, slides, spins and gestures. They will explore how tempo can influence movement and will describe and record their movements before creating, practising and performing their own dance sequence.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will learn how to describe objects using SASS (Size and Shape Specifier) signs. They will practise signing a pet and then using SASS depicting signs to describe a pet they have or would like to have. Students will continue to incorporate colour signs in their everyday learning. 

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will explore the qualities of trusted adults and identify adults they can turn to when they need help. They will recognise situations where they may need adult support, practise using clear words to ask for help and learn what to do if they do not receive the help they need. Students will develop confidence in continuing to seek help until they find a trusted adult who can support them.

What you can do at home:

• 💛 Explore faith: Talk about the stories of Jesus calling His first disciples and discuss what it means to follow Jesus. Encourage your child to think about ways they can show love, kindness and service to others.
• 📖 Read and persuade: Encourage your child to read for 15–20 minutes each evening. Talk about new vocabulary, characters and ideas, and ask them to share their opinion and support it with reasons and evidence.
• ✖️ Practise multiplication and division: Practise multiplication facts and encourage your child to solve two-digit multiplication and division problems. Use everyday situations, such as shopping or sharing items, to practise these skills.
• 💃 Move, create and perform: Encourage your child to explore different dance movements such as jumps, slides, spins and gestures. Choose some music together and create and perform a short dance sequence.
• 🤟 Sign and describe: Practise Auslan signs together by describing objects or pets using size, shape and colour. Encourage your child to use signs during everyday conversations.

Important Classroom Reminders:

• Fidget Toys

  We kindly ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless their use is a planned adjustment in consultation with Allied Health Professionals. Students who bring fidget toys without an approved adjustment will be asked to place them in their school bag for the remainder of the day to take home. We appreciate your support in encouraging your child to leave fidget toys at home.

   

• Spare clothes/change of clothes

  Please pack spare clothes with a pair of socks and underwear to be placed in the front zip pocket of your child's school bag if they get muddy during recess and play time. 

• Please ensure that you are labelling all your child's belongings.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Friday, 30th October - Excursion to Melbourne Zoo

Enjoy your weekend, 

The Ephesus Team

Contact us @Ephesus

ephesus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or